In anticipation of the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, coach Ricky Ponting of the Delhi Capitals (DC) has shared details about the team’s preparations for star player Rishabh Pant’s comeback. Pant is set to return to professional cricket later this month after recovering from a serious vehicle accident in December 2022.
Ponting spoke about their strategies
Ponting revealed the team’s perspective, stating, “It’s a big decision we’ll have to make because if he is fit, you’d think he’d step straight back into that captaincy role.” He added, “If he’s not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we’ve got some decisions to make there.” Assessing Pant’s progress, Ponting noted, “He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us.” Ponting expressed confidence in Pant’s physical readiness, asserting, “He’s kept in one of those games, he’s fielded in these games and the batting hasn’t seemingly been an issue for him so far.”
Pant was a huge loss for DC last year
Reflecting on Pant’s journey, Ponting acknowledged the challenges the player has faced, stating, “We’ve obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year.” He added, “I mean, he was a huge loss for us last year and what he went through, we can’t even begin to describe what he’s been through the last 12 or 14 months.”
Expressing anticipation for Pant’s return, Ponting remarked, “I want to see him back playing cricket again. I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again and just playing with that youthful exuberance that he has.”
Ponting spoke about his intent and talent
Ponting highlighted Pant’s natural talent, stating, “Knowing Rishabh, it probably won’t (take time to adjust) because he’s such a natural talent.” Ponting emphasized the importance of Pant maintaining his aggressive style of play, asserting, “I think he’ll just go out there and certainly, that’s my job anyway – I’ll be telling him to go back out and play the way that he’s always played.”
By Kevin Varchand